Large oak tree crashes into Wake County home during heavy rain

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Heavy rain caused damage across northern Wake County on Thursday, including a large oak tree that crashed into a home on Daycroft Court.

Homeowner Ray Salerno said the tree damaged the roof and exterior of the house.

"It has taken down fascia boards, gutters," Salerno said. "It's basically a work in progress."

Salerno said firefighters from the Northern Wake Fire Department responded quickly and placed a blue tarp over the damaged section of the roof to help keep additional rain out of the home.

"It's hard to keep your lunch down when you're looking at something like this," Salerno said. "But there's not a whole lot I can do. It is what it is. It could have been worse. We could have been injured."

Thursday's storms also brought down trees across northern Wake County, with some blocking roadways.

Despite the damage, Salerno said his home still has power and running water.

"It's just a question of dealing with the structural damage to the house and the second floor," he said. "But, you know, just one day at a time."

No injuries were reported in this incident.

The incident comes as firefighters warn that days of heavy rain have left the ground saturated, making trees more susceptible to falling.

Officials say the waterlogged soil can weaken root systems and increase the likelihood of trees toppling with little warning.

Residents are encouraged to watch for signs of trouble, including leaning trees, exposed roots and large cracked limbs, and have potentially hazardous trees evaluated.

"Sometimes the danger isn't the storm itself, but what it leaves behind," Northern Wake Fire Department said on Facebook.